Win-loss: 4-7 - LLLLWWWLLWL
Ladder position: 11th
Leading possession winner: Kane Cornes (298)
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Motlop (30)
Season so far
It was always going to be tough for Port Adelaide to better, or even match, the dizzying heights the club reached last season, but not many punters would have had the Power languishing in 11th place just nine months after contesting the Grand Final.
Port Adelaide’s performance so far this season is not reflected by the ladder, which shows just four wins, but quite simply, the Power have been unable to stand up when it has mattered.
In round one, Port Adelaide came within nine points of upsetting reigning premiers Geelong and the Power actually held leads against finals bound teams Adelaide, Hawthorn, Sydney Swans, the Brisbane Lions and also Carlton, before succumbing to defeat.
The Power’s four wins have been against West Coast, St Kilda, Essendon and Fremantle, three of which were on the road. Coach Mark Williams said the players were “kidding” themselves if they thought they would play finals this year, but mathematically, the Power are still a chance. Teams are expected to need at least 12 wins to make the eight, which means Port Adelaide will need to win eight of its remaining 11 games to be in the running.
Regardless of whether they make finals, the Power will be intent on continuing the revolutionary process at Alberton, which was unexpectedly and, possibly, flattered with a Grand Final berth last season.
Best win
It is hard to go past the Daniel Motlop-inspired win over Fremantle at Subiaco in round 10. The Power trailed by just two points at three-quarter-time and Motlop’s Peter Daicos-like gem from the boundary line ignited Port Adelaide in the opening seconds of the final term.
The Power, led by milestone men Kane Cornes (31 possessions) and David Rodan (24 possessions and two goals) booted five out of the next six goals to run out 28-point winners. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak and kept the Power’s faint finals hopes alive.
B&F leader
It looks like being a familiar face that takes home the John Cahill medal in 2008.
An emotional Kane Cornes was awarded the club’s highest individual honour last year and, at the halfway mark of the season, he looks set to add another piece of silverware to his collection.
Shaun Burgoyne has been devastating in patches, but a three-week suspension will hurt his chances of catching the younger Cornes. Motlop is also considered to be in All-Australian form and Steve Salopek has emerged as a dominant midfielder, but Cornes’ sheer consistency has them covered at this stage.
The damaging tagger leads Port Adelaide’s possession tally, averaging 27 touches per game and has also added the names of Blue Nick Stevens, Cat Jimmy Bartel, West Coast’s Daniel Kerr, Crow Andrew McLeod, Saint Nick Dal Santo and Swan Tadhg Kennelly to his impressive list of scalps.
Surprise packet
Port Adelaide’s defence, minus retired general Darryl Wakelin and injured veteran Michael Wilson, had some big question marks hanging over it at the start of the season. The inexperienced back six started a little shaky, but grew in confidence and strength as the weeks passed.
Young Fijian Alipate Carlile was eased into life at full back with nine games last season, but stepped straight into the deep end against reigning premiers Geelong in round one. The 21-year-old leads the club in one-percenters and has played on and beaten some of the biggest names in football including Jonathan Brown, Brendan Fevola and Matthew Lloyd. His rapid development bodes well for the club’s future.
Missing in action
Port Adelaide’s inability to play out four quarters of football has cost the club no fewer than five games this season and, potentially, a finals berth. Twice the Power has been mowed down, at home, in the final quarter after holding substantial five goal or more leads at three-quarter-time. Williams has also watched his team struggle at the other end of the scale, surrendering early leads, like against the Swans in round nine, and then falling just short in their bid to catch the opposition.
The Power claimed six victories by 10 points or less last season, but over the summer, somehow lost their killer edge and have now planted seeds of doubt when it comes to hanging on to last quarter leads.
Coach's award (one-percenter player)
Steven Salopek is a future leader at Alberton, who has threatened to become a star since making his debut with the Power back in 2003. The gutsy midfielder has been ravaged by injury and illness throughout his 74-game-career and it is no surprise he has blossomed in his first injury-free start to a season. Salopek has averaged 24 possessions a game this year and amassed a career-best 33 touches, 11 marks, 11 inside 50s and three goals against Essendon in round seven. The 22-year-old leads the club in kicks and marks, is ranked fifth in contested possession and embodies the hardness and desire, coach Mark Williams admires in a player.
Second-half story lines
Can the Power rally and string together the eight wins necessary to qualify for finals?
Can Port Adelaide’s ruck duo of Brendon Lade and Dean Brogan re-establish themselves as a dominant force in the AFL?
Which players will be unearthed as genuine future talents as the Power looks to further develop its young list?
The run home:
Round 12 – Geelong at Skilled
Round 13 – Richmond at AAMI
Round 14 – Western Bulldogs at TIO
Round 15 – North Melbourne at AAMI
Round 16 – Adelaide at AAMI
Round 17 – Fremantle at AAMI
Round 18 – St Kilda at Telstra Dome
Round 19 – Carlton at Telstra Dome
Round 20 – Collingwood at AAMI
Round 21 – Melbourne at AAMI
Round 22 – North Melbourne at the MCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the clubs or the AFL.
